Tag: coronavirus

June 2020

On: By: Rev. G. Michael Rose

“When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground.” Psalm 104:30


Dear Redeemer Family:
The Spirit, created, renewal: all sounds like biblical themes to me. As we enter into the month of June, we do so in the light of the Day of Pentecost (May 31st this year), and with it the gift of the Holy Spirit being poured out upon the Church. We do so knowing that we are created by God, claimed by God through Christ, and renewed by the Holy Spirit in faith and in baptism. The Psalm (104) may be seen as prophetic in that sense. And although we take the created part of granted, people often have trouble with the renewal part. The Holy Spirit is often the most unpredictable Person of the Trinity. It goes where it wills. And the problem with renewal is that it often involves change. People don’t like change. You should know that my favorite David Bowie song is “Changes.” You may listen to it at your leisure. We are now faced with some changes.


The press is calling these “restrictions” caused by the coronavirus the “New Normal.” They are really just changes. Most of them aren’t so bad, just different. We can live with them. In fact, we have to. And, there are a number which apply to Church gatherings as dictated by the CDC, Health Department and the ELCA. Here are some examples. We are allowed to reopen at on quarter seating capacity. So, we have taped off two out of three rows of pews for social distancing. You are invited to come into the building on May 31st after the outdoor service to see the arrangements. Also, thanks to social distancing, we will be celebrating Holy Communion in “continuous” form. Having everyone kneel at the altar rail, six feet apart is a problem. And, we have taped six foot intervals on the carpet of the central aisle to help with the distancing. As per Holy Communion, only the individual cups will be used. The chalice will be there, but only individual cups will be used for the distribution. Everyone entering the church building must wear a mask, and continue to wear it unless they have a speaking part, or to receive Communion. No, I don’t like this one either. But, the mask is to protect our neighbors more than anything else. Originally, singing was out. But, I called the State of Missouri’s Covid 19 Hotline and asked about it. If we are socially distanced and wearing masks, they said singing together is okay. But, handshaking, hugging, etc. is not allowed, except among household members. So, Sharing of the Peace is now to be with a nod or a wave. And, I’m not to shake people’s hands at the door, nor are the ushers. And, now for the one that will really upset some of you: No donuts. Sorry.


There are a few more, which I’ll send out later. But, as we celebrate Christ’s sending of the Holy Spirit, we also have to recognize that the devil sent the coronavirus, probably arriving by bat. The Holy Spirit is the greater gift by far. And, by practicing safety measures, hand washing, sanitizer, etc. We are still enabled to gather together and celebrate the gifts of God. As much as we may not like the New Normal, we can still gather in joy and celebration of the good gifts which we have received from God and be renewed. Stay safe and healthy!

In Christ,
Pastor Rose

April 2020

On: By: Rev. G. Michael Rose

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

Dear Redeemer Family:

“Don’t Panic.” Those immortal words, we are told by the author Douglas Adams, are found on the cover of that “most interesting book in the universe,” The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It is one of my favorite books, and made a fair good movie. Of course, the hero of the story (really a non-hero), Arthur Dent, panics all of the time. The theme runs all of the way through the book and its sequels. I think that to a degree it was Adam’s commentary on the human race. Interestingly, to change books, the Bible tells us “do not be afraid” 365 times. I’ve read that somewhere. I haven’t actually counted. That means that we are told to not be afraid every day of the year. That should be a calming notion. Even more interestingly, in the Bible, the words “do not be afraid” are addressed only to people who are in the presence of something which they should be afraid of, usually the Divine.

Currently, the world is very concerned about the coronavirus “Covid 19.” And, we well should be. But, there have been steps being taken worldwide to stop it. Along these lines, we will be doing as requested by the Bishop’s Office, the Center for Disease Control, Health Departments everywhere. We will “pause” (that’s the way the Bishop phrased it in her email) for a bit. All congregational activities will be stopped, including public worship, until the end of the month of March. We may need to reevaluate the date later. The simplest way to stop this virus is to not pass it on to anyone else. The most vulnerable group is persons over the age of 65. That describes a large portion of our active membership. So, for the sake of the common good, as much as possible, stay home if you are able. If not, and people do need to get supplies, go to work, etc., remember to wash your hands, often. It is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus. Sanitize surfaces. This is considered a “weak” virus. There are quite a few things that will kill it. Cough into the inside of your elbow. Stay six feet away from other people (okay, you can touch your family members). There are simple directions. And, two weeks is not a long time. Some of you gave up things for Lent. That’s 40 days.

Also, during this time, I would like you to check up on the elderly and the needy. Some of them may need assistance, especially in getting groceries. Call and ask. You can pick up food and medicine and place it on their doorstep if need be. One of the great things in history that got people to notice Christians was how the Christians acted during the times of the great plagues. While everyone else was on the run, the Christians actually were going in and taking care of the sick. “They will know that we are Christians by our love.” Remember.

So, Don’t Panic! Don’t rush out and buy all of the toilet paper in the store! I find that phenomenon very funny. Remember every day: Do not be afraid. This is a trying time. But, the solution is fairly simple. And God is with you. It is His good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

In Christ,

Pastor Rose